Cases 219,212 | Deaths 5,674
On Thursday, Oct. 1, Arizona reported 705 new cases of COVID-19 and 24 additional deaths. All of Arizona’s counties have cleared the state department of health’s benchmarks to reopen certain businesses, the Associated Press reported.
UPDATE: Since the publication of this story, it was announced that President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for coronavirus. A statement from the Trump campaign said all previously announced events were either going to be made virtual or postponed. Monday's scheduled event in Tucson has reportedly been postponed.
Trump to visit Tucson Monday
AZPM
President Donald Trump will hold a rally at the Tucson Airport Monday evening and it will not violate Pima County health regulations for COVID-19.
The county put out a statement saying Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people does not apply because it also exempts constitutionally protected activities, like political rallies.
A Pima County resolution requires face coverings when physical distancing isn’t possible. For that Dr. Theresa Cullen, the head of the Pima County Health Department is recommending everyone wear a mask.
People with disabilities face both unique and common challenges during pandemic
AZPM
While some challenges in the pandemic are unique for people with disabilities — like how to design clear face coverings — many others in education, day care or in the workforce mirror the barriers people without disabilities are facing this year.
The Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind in Tucson didn't anticipate spring break being the threshold to virtual learning. Kelly Creasy, the school's principal, said when they decided not to bring the kids back to campus, they sent out more than 100 devices to students who were now learning from home all across the state.
She said they sent out approximately 20 hot spots, 80 Chromebooks, 35 iPads and 12 BrailleNote Touches, which are basically laptops that produce refreshable braille. Like many other schools, being connected to the internet keeps the approximately 120 students connected to their individual classrooms.
US Supreme Court nomination carries high stakes
AZPM
U. S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett continues through the confirmation process in Washington. Some experts think she will take her place on the bench to confirm a 6-3 conservative majority later this month.
President Donald Trump nominated Barrett immediately after the death of liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and promised her confirmation by the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate before Election Day. University of Arizona law professor Shalev Roisman says the politically charged debate over Barrett's nomination puts the court's reputation on the line, especially in controversial cases.
"Everyone would know there is a winner or a loser, but even if you are a loser you'd think the process is legitimate," said Roisman.
Roisman notes historically the Supreme Court does not stray far from public opinion on most major issues.
Arizona counties clear marks for partial business reopenings
AP
PHOENIX — Arizona reported 705 additional COVID-19 cases and 24 more deaths as health officials said Thursday all 15 counties have cleared state benchmarks for partial reopening of certain businesses during the coronavirus outbreak. Arizona’s statewide total increased to 219,212 cases and the death toll rose to 5,674.
The Department of Health Services said the classification of largely rural Graham County in southeastern Arizona improved to “moderate transmission stage." That made it the final county to meet benchmarks for reopening businesses such as indoor gyms and fitness centers, bars serving food and movie theaters.
One county, tiny Greenlee in southeastern Arizona, is at “minimal” status, the highest step below normal conditions.
Sonoran Marriage Equality Measure Fails In Committee Vote
Fronteras Desk
A measure in the Sonoran congress to allow same-sex couples to marry in the state has hit another roadblock.
The initiative fell one vote shy of the seven needed to move from committee on to the full congress. Its sponsor, Deputy Yumiko Palomarez, said it could be brought back within the next several weeks.
However, one member of her party Morena — Deputy Héctor Raúl Castelo — did not vote either way during the virtual meeting. Palomarez said she’s confident that the measure would pass if brought back, and that it also has enough support for approval from the full body.
Prior to the vote, several legislators expressed concern about the prospect of same-sex couples adopting children. Palomarez says the measure does not mention adoption, nor does Sonoran law require couples to be married to adopt.
Mexico’s Security Secretary To Resign, Seek Governorship In Sonora
Fronteras Desk
Last week, Mexico’s president announced public servants aspiring to run for office in the coming year must resign by the end of October, to avoid the appearance that their position is benefitting them in the election. Now, Mexico’s Security Secretary has announced his plans to resign.
Mexico’s Security Secretary Alfonso Durazo, from the Sonoran town of Bavispe, confirmed Thursday that he plans to resign from his post and return to Sonora to seek the governorship.
"Because of my political trajectory and my ties to the state, my interest would be to participate in this process with the desire to extend the politics of the fourth transformation in Sonora," he said during a Zoom conference on security, referring to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's government, which he has said will be the fourth transformation in Mexican history.
Auditors report shortcomings in Arizona regulatory agency
AP
Auditors say the Arizona state government department with a broad range of responsibilities, including checking the accuracy of measuring devices such as gasoline station pumps, is itself falling short on the job.
The Auditor General’s Office says the Department of Agriculture didn’t always prioritize high-priority establishments such as gasoline pumps and store scales. The auditors also reported that the department licensed hundreds of pest management applicators without obtaining criminal history background checks.
The department agreed to take the recommended steps to improve its operations, but Director Mark Killian said some problems stem from funding cuts leading to a significant reduction in staffing.
Arizona county considers sale of $75M in bonds for pensions
AP
FLORENCE — Pinal County in southern Arizona needs almost $75 million more to cover its public safety pensions, which its Board of Supervisors will consider financing with a bond.
Financial adviser Mark Reader told the board Wednesday that a bond issue would save the county about $40 million in today’s dollars. Reader said there is incentive to sell the bonds before the Nov. 3 general election, which could adversely affect interest rates. The board held a public hearing on the debt Wednesday and was scheduled to meet Oct. 16 to consider the bond resolution.
Most of Pinal County’s unfunded liability is for Sheriff’s Office pensions, which are just over 50% funded.
Much of U.S. Southwest left parched after monsoon season
AP
FLAGSTAFF — Cities across the U.S. Southwest recorded their driest monsoon season on record this year. Some locales received only a trace or no rain.
The seasonal weather pattern that runs from mid-June through September brings high hopes for rain and a cooldown in the desert region. But like last year, it largely was a dud, leaving the region parched and prolonging the drought. Las Vegas tied a record set in 1944. Phoenix's monsoon season wasn't the driest, but the city had its hottest one on record.
Weather forecasters say the upcoming winter likely won't make up for the precipitation deficit.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.